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West-Ford, 47, dies of cancer
Nancy Lan
Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: News
Dr. Jacquelyn West-Ford, senior associate dean of students, died Sept. 6 in Phoenixville Hospital of colon cancer at the age of 47.
West-Ford worked at the University for over two decades and began working with student life in 1997, according to a University press release.
As senior associate dean of students, West-Ford was in charge of activities such as New Student Orientation, New Student Days, Parent Family Weekend, Lil' Sibs Weekend and commencement. She also directed the Interfaith Council, the Office of International Student Services, and the Office of Multicultural Programs and Diversity Education.
However, for David Ruth, dean of students, West-Ford extended beyond her professional work. Ruth characterized her by her laugh, which he said was so distinctive that everyone knew when she walked into a building.
"It's like it's so silent on the floor now because we don't have that here anymore," Ruth said. "Jackie didn't really have bad days … That's her style … She didn't want people to know she was sick. She wanted to celebrate life."
Ruth has worked alongside West-Ford since 2002, and described her as his "closest confidant and colleague."
Through her work with student life, West-Ford also founded the Drexel Family Association and the Office of New Student and Family programs.
Despite her administrative accomplishments, West-Ford's greatest achievements, according to Ruth, were the unprecedented three times when students nominated her for awards.
"You get an award from your boss or from your colleagues, it means something. But to get an award from students means you've touched their lives and you've made an impact on campus," Ruth said.
Most recently, West-Ford received the Staff of the Year Award from the Drexel Minority Achievement Program in June 2007.
Lawrence Lockett, who graduated in June 2007 and was the former president of DMAP, said that the organization nominated her for the award because of her outstanding activities among minority students and for her continued strength while battling cancer.
West-Ford worked at the University for over two decades and began working with student life in 1997, according to a University press release.
As senior associate dean of students, West-Ford was in charge of activities such as New Student Orientation, New Student Days, Parent Family Weekend, Lil' Sibs Weekend and commencement. She also directed the Interfaith Council, the Office of International Student Services, and the Office of Multicultural Programs and Diversity Education.
However, for David Ruth, dean of students, West-Ford extended beyond her professional work. Ruth characterized her by her laugh, which he said was so distinctive that everyone knew when she walked into a building.
"It's like it's so silent on the floor now because we don't have that here anymore," Ruth said. "Jackie didn't really have bad days … That's her style … She didn't want people to know she was sick. She wanted to celebrate life."
Ruth has worked alongside West-Ford since 2002, and described her as his "closest confidant and colleague."
Through her work with student life, West-Ford also founded the Drexel Family Association and the Office of New Student and Family programs.
Despite her administrative accomplishments, West-Ford's greatest achievements, according to Ruth, were the unprecedented three times when students nominated her for awards.
"You get an award from your boss or from your colleagues, it means something. But to get an award from students means you've touched their lives and you've made an impact on campus," Ruth said.
Most recently, West-Ford received the Staff of the Year Award from the Drexel Minority Achievement Program in June 2007.
Lawrence Lockett, who graduated in June 2007 and was the former president of DMAP, said that the organization nominated her for the award because of her outstanding activities among minority students and for her continued strength while battling cancer.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Akosua Nyame-Kusi
posted 9/20/07 @ 12:27 PM EST
Jacky was a wonderful woman and I feel so blessed to have known her. May she rest in perfect peace and my condolences to her family and friends!
Marcella Anthony
posted 1/25/08 @ 8:27 PM EST
I am disappointed to see that "Dr. J"'s title, in nearly every Drexel publication referencing her untimely death, was not capitalized. Dr. Jackie West-Ford held many titles during her tenure at Drexel University, but lastly, she was the Senior Associate Dean of Students. (Continued…)
Tiffany Gallagher Mathews
posted 3/06/08 @ 4:48 PM EST
I just learned about Jackie's passing. As a former colleague of hers in Student Life, I remember her hard work and effort, especially in the coordination of Orientation. (Continued…)
George
posted 3/06/08 @ 5:35 PM EST
To Marcella:
You may not ever see this, but for anyone else who reads this, Marcella is displaying a moment where she should have done her research, a situation known as "foot in mouth" syndrome. (Continued…)
Kelechi Ekejiuba
posted 3/16/08 @ 10:28 AM EST
Dr. Jackie was a very wonderful and hardworking woman. I am glad I got to work under her during the 2007 New Student Orientation. May her gentle soul rest in peace. (Continued…)
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